Serious hiking calls for serious shoes. But standard hiking shoes are stiff and narrow! For happy feet I wear barefoot hiking boots that don’t compromise on function but keep my toes and ankles free. And no blisters too!
In this article I review 10 of the best barefoot hiking boot & shoe brands for both comfort and functionality. I’ve also included my favorite cushioned wide toe box options and a budget brand, so there is something for everyone.
Read on for the top barefoot hiking shoes that are comfy for feet AND give protection on the trails.
The Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes
This isn’t just a collection of links – I own and hike in all of the barefoot hiking boots and shoes here. After years of testing and hundreds of barefoot shoes in my closet, I am confident these are the absolute best barefoot hiking boots on the market, no matter where you are in the world. Hiking just feels so much better when I’m in barefoot hiking boots!
Here is what I look for in my barefoot hiking shoes:
- Totally flat zero drop sole.
- An anatomical wide toe box shape.
- A thin flexible sole (though sometimes I go for a thick sole for weather protection/durability)
- Durable materials
- Good tread with grip
- Breathability and/or water resistance (depending on the weather)
The first 3 features here are inherently different from your typical hiking shoe that weighs a ton and barely bends. Let blisters be a thing of the past! Barefoot hiking boots let your feet move naturally while still protecting you from the elements.
Psst, if you’re looking for barefoot boots for every day, check this review out!
Ok, on to the best barefoot hiking shoes on the market!
Vivobarefoot Hiking Shoes
Lugs | Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather | Sizes US W5.5 – M15
Use code ANYA20VB for 20% off
No one does outdoor shoes like Vivobarefoot. You can find boots and shoes for different terrains, climates, and seasons and all function excellently. The Vivobarefoot Tracker is an excellent durable barefoot hiking boot with a waterproofed exterior (in the FG model), lugs for traction, and a removable thermal insole. They’re IMO the best combination of barefoot feel with function, but if you don’t need water protection the Magna Lite is a really comfy hiking boot with a soft knit collar. And if you want a low cut shoe – the Primus Trail is top notch in our house.
While the Vibarefoot hiking boots are extremely functional and durable, they feel a little stiff at first for a barefoot hiking shoe and take breaking in. We have multiple pairs in our house that are several years old and I can confidently attest to them becoming soft and flexible.
Vivobarefoot’s hiking shoes come on three different outsole types:
Here you can see the different outdoor soles in order of their tread depth. I find the FG and SG work well on all terrains and I can wear them all day easily, while the Esc sole is extra rugged and durable (a little beefier than I need most of the time). Escape is a great choice if you do high mileage and/or extreme terrain.
My husband wears his Tracker FG hiking boots for snow (swap out the insole for a sheepskin one if you plan to do this) and even to work with business casual pants. I wear my FG’s for hiking whenever it’s cold and wet and my Magna Lites with the SG sole the rest of the time. They have held up very well and are extremely functional! You can read my full Vivobarefoot Tracker FG review here.
Sizing & Fit
Read this post to learn all about foot type and how to measure your feet!
- Runs true to size
- Fits average to narrow width feet best (men’s models are wider than women’s).
- Medium volume over the arch (try the Tracker Esc if you have high volume feet)
My husband and I have our normal size in all our Vivobarefoot hiking shoes & boots except for the Tracker FG, that one we both sized up in.
Be Lenka Barefoot Ranger & Trailwalker
Leather | Waterproof Option | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off your Be Lenka purchase. They only accept returns from the EU and USA.
Also available at Anya’s Shop for easier access in the US!
Be Lenka barefoot has two excellent hiking shoes. The first is the Be Lenka Ranger. This is a fleece lined, waterproof boot with a durable upper and rugged non-slip sole. I am loving everything about these, from their high quality materials, to the extra spacious toe box, to the warm fleece lining (I do a lot of cold weather hiking). These are one of my most worn cold weather hiking boots, but aren’t as practical year round – which is where the Vivobarefoot Tracker takes the cake. The Ranger can double as a snow boot too!
If you need a barefoot trail shoe for warmer weather, the Be Lenka Trailwalkers are wonderful. These barefoot hikers are extremely comfortable and have great grip. Not to mention the incredible amount of toe space and excellent quality. I’ve banged up my ankle bones a few times in them on rocky hikes (the perils of not covering your ankles!), but I still prefer them when the weather is warm because of how light and and comfortable they are.
The tread is not deep, which actually helps keep mud from collecting in the grooves, and they’ve kept me steady even on loose rock and gravel. They come with an optional insole for some cushion or a better fit if you have low volume feet. Without the insole they are only 4mm thick! Overall, these are exactly what I’m looking for in a barefoot hiking shoe: practical, but my feet still feel free.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs slightly small.
- Fits wide to extra wide feet.
- The Trailwalkers are high volume.
- The Rangers are medium volume
Xero Hiking Shoes
Lugs | Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Vegan | Sizes US W5-M15
Xero has a lot of barefoot hiking boot and shoe options. My favorite is the Scrambler Mid for a high top and the Ridgeway Mesh as a low top. Both have a medium thick sole for some extra durability, a comfy soft upper, and good traction on the trails.
Xero’s hiking boots can be on the stiffer side and take a little bit to break in. I personally avoid the Xcursion Fusion and Daylite Hiker because they irritate my heels, but the rest have worked well for me!
And you can opt for the barefoot hiking shoes for a softer fit. I love both the Scrambler Low and the Mesa Trail. They are similarly soft and breathable.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size
- Runs medium to wide width (men’s models are wider than women’s).
- Works for most foot volumes from low to high, but might be roomy on low volume feet.
Compared to Vivobarefoot, Xero has a straighter cut with more width and volume in the midfoot and heel area.
Freet Barefoot Hiking Shoes
Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 37-48
Get 10% off any Freet Barefoot shoes with code AnyaFreet.
Freet Barefoot has several barefoot hiking boots and shoes that function excellently, including waterproof and knit options. The hallmark feature of Freet hikers is that they have an an excellent foot shape with plenty of space for all toes. And the soles can be as thin as 4mm without the insole if you want a genuine barefoot feel. They do run on the smaller side, so I size up to get the fit I want.
Our lightweight favorites are the Howgill and Feldom -they are so soft and comfy with zero break in time. And for wet and cold weather the Tundra, Impala, and Mudee are waterproof and higher cut.
One complaint I have about Freet shoes is that the interior on the waterproof boots is padded and it can be kind of bulky around the ankle. And I prefer the leather waterproof options instead of the vegan because they breath better.
Sizing & Fit
- The boots run a bit small, but can vary between models so consult the sizing & fit description for each model before ordering.
- Fits wide feet.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Works for all foot volumes – you can add on insoles in different thicknesses too.
For more details on Freet’s sizing & fit, read my in-depth Freet Review.
Merrell Vapor Trail Glove
Lugs | Waterproof Options | Recycled Mesh | Sizes US Women’s 5-11 & Men’s 7-15
If you live outside the US click the flag at the top right corner for different regions!
Merrell is a US brand that primarily sells non-barefoot shoes, but also have a few really good wide toe box barefoot models. The best known, and the one I use, is the Trail Glove. It has a quality outsole with toe protection, a bit of water resistance for shallow puddles, and a breathable mesh upper. The tongue is also gussetted to keep out debris (something you typically only find on taller boots).
More recently Merrell has come out with a waterproof version of the Trail Glove and an even heavier duty model called the Wrapt for extreme terrains. Merrell has been a solid brand for me for many years, even before I started wearing barefoot shoes. And for the quality the price is cheaper than many other barefoot options.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Medium wide – not suited for extra wide feet
- Medium volume with removable insole
- Mountain shaped
I sized up for a little extra width because I have wider than average feet. They are comfy for me, but I do feel my toes on the sides of the shoe.
Realfoot Trekker
Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather or Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off.
If you want a hiker with an extremely wide toe box, Realfoot is for you. The Trekker line is waterproof and comes in multiple heights and materials. The waterproof membrane makes the Trekkers slightly less flexible in the uppers than other Realfoot shoes, but they’re still one of the most minimal barefoot hiking options on this list.
Our only criticism is the outsole lacks lugs, which won’t make these an ideal choice for more challenging hikes. However you get all the toe space, a waterproof upper with a gusseted tongue, and a real barefoot feel.
The alternative would be the Softstar Primal hiking shoes mentioned below – similarly wide toe box but on a rugged outsole with deep tread.
Sizing & Fit
- Extra wide fan shape, narrower through the midfoot and heel
- Square shaped toe box (lots of space for your pinky toes)
- Ample vertical height in the toe box
- High volume, except the waterproof options feel lower due to the membrane
- True to size with a very detailed size chart
Read our full Realfoot review here
Groundies Ontario
Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather | Sizes EU 36-48
Groundies has a few outdoor barefoot hiking shoes but my favorite is the Ontario. The outsole is grippy but still flexible, the uppers are waterproof without being too hot, and they provide just enough protection from rocks while still feeling like a barefoot shoe.
I do find the laces annoying – they are hard to adjust below the speed hooks and I can’t get them quite tight enough when I wear thin socks. I am looking forward to the update they are doing on them this fall and hope they’ll address that issue!
Groundies also sells the All Terrain in a low and mid cut, but I have not had good luck with it and don’t currently recommend it.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size.
- Medium to wide fit.
- Mountain shaped.
- Medium to high volume, but work for my low volume feet with socks.
Softstar Switchback
Lugs| Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Fabric, Leather & Wool | Sizes US 5U-13U
The Softstar Switchback is a barefoot hiking boot with some great specs. It comes in two widths for both average width and extra wide feet. And you can choose from a leather upper or Super Fabric which is extremely durable, waterproof, and yet breathable.
These boots are made with Vibram’s Megagrip sole and have serious traction and durability – it should last for many, many miles. And if it does wear out, you can have it resoled by a professional cobbler (this is the only barefoot hiker listed here that can be repaired easily). The interior is lined with a thin wool, so I prefer these for slightly cooler weather.
I am finding them comfortable and practical, and I hiked miles in them the first wear without any discomfort! But be advised, these boots fit low to medium volume over the arch. That means if you need a lot of vertical space above your foot/have high arches you might feel cramped! The all-leather version will mold more to your foot than Super Fabric, so there is the potential for stretching.
The sole is thick, so you don’t really feel the ground in them, but they are flexible and I still feel connected to the earth. And for a low cut option I recommend the Megagrip RunAmoc – these are ultra wide toe box hiking shoes with a rugged outsole.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size.
- Fits extra wide.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Low volume fit.
Best Wide Toe Box Cushioned Hiking Boots
Here are some excellent wide toe box hiking shoes that have more cushion and a little more stability than in your typical barefoot shoe. I make regular use of this type of shoe for long hikes or difficult terrain. And they can be great for people who want a wide toe box but are not comfortable in the other features of barefoot shoes.
Lems Boulder Boot Grip
Waterproof | Leather | Sizes US W6-M15
European readers can purchase some Lems models at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
The waterproof Lems Boulder Boot Grip is a new variation on their original Boulder, and they are everything I wished for! Classic styling, a soft leather upper, and a grippy outsole that has better traction on and off the trails.
The tongue is gusseted to keep water and debris out, and the sole is thicker than a lot of other barefoot hiking boots (13 mm without insole) so you have some protection from the ground. This also makes the Boulder Boot Grip functional as a light work boot! There is a removable insole if you need more space, and you can swap it out for a sheepskin one to stay extra cozy.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – They have a reliable sizing guide, so follow that.
- Fits wide feet.
- Square shaped toe box.
One thing I love about Lems shoes is that they have a lot of space above the toes, which makes them feel very roomy without being too big on the rest of the foot.
Altra Lone Peak
Water Resistant Options | Vegan | Sizes US Women’s 5.5 – US Men’s 16
The Lone Peak from Altra is a well loved zero drop trail and hiking shoe line that features a generously wide toe box and flat but cushioned outsole. They are one of, if not the best in terms of technical specs and have been used by many on major thru hikes and ultra trail running distances. In fact my old physical therapist is wearing the All Weather Mid (shown above) to hike Kilimanjaro right now!
I find the shape and width of them to be an almost universally good fit and the thick sole can be a life saver for long distances or if you just need more sole underfoot. I wear the plain old Lone Peak most often, but they come in different heights and water resistances.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size, but if in between go up.
- Fits wide toes, and even comes in a wider width.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Fan-shaped (they narrow at the arch and heel).
Best Budget Barefoot Hikers
Saguaro Shoes
Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Synthetic | Sizes EU 36-46
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
Saguaro has a waterproof barefoot hiking boot and some low cut hiking shoes that are more breathable. All are pretty soft and flexible, with decent traction. You can see the difference in quality and materials compared to more upscale hikers, but these do the job!
Saguaro does change and update their models frequently – the Brave boot shown above is already on version 5!! But they always have something available for hiking that is budget friendly after my 15% off discount code.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – we size up consistently.
- Fit medium wide feet.
- Works for all foot volumes (removable insole)
- Mountain shaped
Hiking Shoe Fit & Waterproofing Hacks
When it comes to barefoot hiking boots I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Here are a few of my best pointers that will improve the fit and longevity of your shoes.
- Err on the larger size – feet swell when you hike so it’s a good idea to buy a half or whole size bigger than you typically wear. This also allows for socks and insoles.
- Grab an extra pair of insoles – with thin barefoot shoes these can really come in handy if you’re on extra hard terrain or your feet just need a break.
- Learn how to waterproof your shoes – waterproof shoes all have an expiration date and will start leaking eventually. If you get yourself some waterproofing products you can really increase the usefulness of your boots.
For more tips on fitting hiking boots, here is a guide from Terradrift.
Which Barefoot Hiking Boots Are The Widest?
Curious which barefoot hiking shoes are the most wide? See below 10 barefoot hiking shoes in order from narrowest to widest, starting with the Merrell Trail Glove and ending with Realfoot.
Everyone will experience width differently, but I did my best to generalize it here. Keep in mind that this is organized by width in the toe box, and not width in other parts of the shoe (like midfoot and heel).
More Barefoot Hiking Options
While the above are my personal top recommendations, you might want to check out the other barefoot hiking shoe options that are available. Here are all the others that meet our happy feet criteria.
- Ahinsa Chitra – Vegan, and available in regular and extra wide! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Bahe Rediscover – The only hiking option with grounding technology! These are also a thicker, less flexible option for people who want more cushion. Currently available for pre-order. Code ANYA gives you 10% off
- Feelgrounds Patrol – These work well as a hiking boot (and stylish too!) but are a little stiff in the heel and ankle for me. Read my review of them in this post! Use code ANYA5 for 5% off
- Sole Runner Transition – Good shoes! Easier to order from for EU residents.
- Saltic Fura – Use Google Chrome to translate to English!
- Vibram Fivefingers – They make several good trail shoes. Use my link for 15% off!
- Zaqq – Several hiking options including the Expeq which is waterproof and comes in leather or a vegan option.
Kids Barefoot Hiking Shoes & Boots
In my experience, barefoot hiking boots for kids is often not necessary unless they are serious little mountain goats. With their center of gravity so close to the ground, additional tread often doesn’t add more stability. So we focus more on durability and water resistance when choosing practical hiking shoes for my kids. You can find our top recommended Barefoot Shoes for Kids here, which we use both for hiking and play.
But if your kids do more serious hiking, here are a few barefoot hiking shoe options for kids.
- Vivobarefoot Primus Trail – 10% off with code ANYA20VB for 20% off
- Merrell Trail Glove
- Freet Tufee – 10% off with code AnyaFreet. This one comes in and out of stock. If you live outside the US, shop the Freet Tufee here.
- Be Lenka Xplorer – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. These run BIG.
Whether you’re a casual weekend hiker or are doing serious ultras distances, there are barefoot friendly hiking boots that still getting the job done. Because even the most durable options in this list still have a zero drop sole and wide toe box.
I hike weekly in barefoot shoes, so you can expect this review of the 10 best barefoot hiking boots to continue to be updated with any new options that come to the market (or if over time my thoughts change). I am always testing and reviewing barefoot shoes to help you find what best option for your feet and your lifestyle!
215 thoughts on “The 10 Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”
Hi Anya,
I’m looking for a low shoe for hiking (similar to the Be Lenka Trailwalker) for a very wide, mid/high volume, fan shaped foot. I have several Be Lenka boots that fit if I size up one and change the insoles because the weird shape of the original ones is uncomfortable, but the Trailwalker sole is a tiny bit narrower than the boot soles, which is too narrow for me.
Did you test the hiking shoes Barebarics offers (Wanderer, Voyager)? And what are your thoughts on the Freet Howgill? (I have and love the Pace sneaker)
I’d love some waterproofness, but at this point I’d take any shoe that fits my frustratingly weird foot shape!
Thank you for your reviews, they have helped me so much in finally finding shoes I feel comfortable with!
I just got my first pair of Barebarics hiking shoes and put them on – I found they ran a little small so I need a bigger size. But the overall shape seemed similar to other Barebarics. Have you tried the Trailwalker, or are you referring to the size chart? Because Be Lenka boots feel narrower than the Trailwalker because of the sole and construction. The Trailwalker sole sits under the shoe and the upper spreads out a bit on top. Freet Howgill I also just recently received and have sitting next to me in the living room right now, haha. So this summer I’ll be readjusting this review in light of these new models that have come out. Just need to test them first!
Yeah, I’ve ordered the Trailwalker, tried them on, and they just don’t feel right. Maybe it’s the shape, but they feel very narrow compared to my other Be Lenkas. The Rangers are a way better fit for me.
I’ve never tried Barebarics at all, so I’m hesitant. I’ve ordered so many shoes to then return them or sell them, it’s annoying.
Please could you review more footwear that is available in the UK?
Hi Sandy, we try to review options from most places since we have readers all over the world (but are based in the US, and therefore most of our readers are as well). Be sure to check out all the brands and retailers available to you in the UK. You can find the list in this Brands By Region article.
Hi, after reading quite a few posts from your blog, I’m now hesitating between the Vivobarefoot boots you mentioned here and the Lems Chelsea (blundstones type). Do you have any advice to help me decide ? Thanks !
Hi, for actual hiking I’d go with Vivobarefoot as they have better lugs on the outsole. The fit is also quite different. Vivobarefoot is more average width “fan-shaped” while Lems is wider and more of a straight fit.
Perfect, thank you!
Dear Anya,
I am a religious reader of your blog since I first learned about barefoot shoes 6 months ago. Since then I’ve been obsessively reading everything I can about the barefoot shoe lifestyle, reviews, scientific studies, etc. I’ve now come to a point where I refuse to wear traditional shoes and can’t bear to sacrifice functionality, foot and body health. However, this dogmatic approach has led me to be very lost and confused when I comes to hiking boots and safety. I’ve read many of your reviews and posts and also read descriptions from companies like vivo, groundies, Xero, Lems, etc…and there doesn’t seem to a consensus on the idea of protection. Vivo says you don’t need as much protective as most people think (https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/blog/the-bare-truth-about-hiking-boots), whereas Lems and Xero seem to have a much more stiff sole and shoe in general for…well protection against more rugged terrains. On one hand stiffness protects against rocks debris on a tough hike but on the other hand, proprioception loss can increase risk of injury like twisted ankles and increase fatigue….and it’s just plain fun to be so agile and alert!
I recently went on a 5 day excursion in the alps where the trails were very rugged, often broken, steep (and broken), muddy, snowy (and steep simultaneously), wet, and etc. I learned quite a bit, notably that my barefoot hiking shoe of choice didn’t suffice: Vivo Tracker Textile FG2 Women’s
I had many fellow hikers tell me I needed to have a stiff sole to be able to hike safely in such conditions…is this true? The areas where I experienced trouble were not having enough traction for steep snowy slopes, muddy slopes, and the boot edges (front, side, and heel) not being pointy enough to ram into the snow or mud to gain a foot hole if I needed to climb down something vertical. On the other hand there are so many features I loved about my boot. For example, my feet were literally never tired (the rugged rock terrain felt more like a massage than painful and dangerous). However, I can see that maybe the upper of the shoe being so light could be dangerous if heavy debris rammed or fell onto my feet (are traditional hiking boots more stiff there?). I felt incredibly agile…and although I would prefer not to die on a dangerous hike, I don’t want to sacrifice all the positives. Are the negatives of a barefoot boot even true, or merely misconceptions as the vivo post (“the bare truth about hiking boots,”) suggests?
Now I’m trying to find a boot that solves the problems I experienced in the aforementioned conditions. Do you have any recommendations? The shoes I’ve been researching are:
VIVO
– https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/tracker-forest-esc-womens-aw22?colour=Forest%20Bracken
– https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/magna-forest-esc-womens-ss23?colour=Obsidian-Lime
(does the magna forest esc merely offer a bit less ankle protection from rocks than the tracker forest esc?)
XERO
Xero has so many models…I wasn’t sure which version has the most traction.
LEMS
– https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/lems-trail-shoes/products/womens-outlander-waterproof-boot
– https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/lems-trail-shoes/products/womens-boulder-summit-waterproof?variant=40017820745786
– https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/lems-trail-shoes/products/womens-boulder-boot-grip-waterproof?variant=40061992730682
What brand and models would you recommend to me considering that I want something that can work for extreme terrain…and where functionality, comfort, and safety are my top priorities. I apologize for the long email, but I’ve very much come to rely and trust your opinion on such matters.
I understand your concerns and I think that it really comes down to how you’re using the shoes and what you want out of them. I think it’s true that most people need less protection than they are being told, but you also want to be safe in the terrain (with hiking and sport shoes the needs can be very specific). Vivo boots are designed for outdoor use and if your feet feel great in the thin soles then it may be that you just need one of the other options they carry, like the Tracker Forest Esc which has deeper lugs and a grippier sole. The only thing you wouldn’t get from a barefoot boot is the hard pointy edges for ramming into snow or mud on steep inclines. So I guess it comes down to whether or not the increased agility and proprioception you got from the flexible soles is giving you the stability you need, or if stiffer soles are a must for that specific terrain.
Hi!
Something I haven’t seen is a men’s workboot that is actually foot-shaped but steel toe. My husband works on a farm and is used to wearing redwing boots or slip-on square toe cowboy boots but they’re destroying his feet!
Hi! There are a couple options, and more are coming. Check out our favorites here. We are currently testing the newest model from Gaucho Ninja and will have a review later this summer or fall.
I’m a hiker that developed tarsal tunnel syndrome with super supportive hiking shoes. Long story short, I found that Vivobarefoot hiking boots solved the problem. Can’t wear any shoes that press against the tarsal tunnel area or have arch support. Have been a happy hiker with my Vivobarefoot boots for 18 months but have now developed severe osteoarthritis in my right big toe with the left on its way. My podiatrist recommends stiff soles. I’ve read your article about wide toe boxes and stiffer soles, but can’t determine which shoes would be best. What’s a girl to do? Any recommendations, please?
Altra Lone Peak is a great shoe with a more rigid sole but lots of toe space. It is a good one to start with! Also Joe Nimble’s Trail Addict is another good one, but not a full boot. And finally, a newer one that I haven’t yet fully reviewed is the Barebarics Trekker. All 3 have plenty of toe space but a thicker more rigid sole. Other option – keep your Vivo boots and get an insole that your podiatrist recommends. If you are in pain, it’s a good idea to try to figure out a combo that keeps you moving. And maybe take a look at your foot and lower leg strength as a long term support.
I wish you included some information on waterproofness. For those of us who hike in wet climates, waterproof boots are sadly an absolute must if you wanna stay comfortable. And with barefoot shoes, this seems to be a huge weak point. I have yet to find a barefoot hiking boot that is actually waterproof.
Altra Lone Peak is/was amazing, but the quality has sadly gone drastically downhill. They stay waterproof for just a few months, then they start leaking like a sieve.
And as a side note: The Lems boots has absolutely horrible traction, they would be straight up dangerous to use if you got steep, wet rock faces, roots, mud or other slippy surfaces.
The Lems boot you reference, is that the Boulder Boot grip that was released last fall? Because the original Boulder boot was totally slippery and I didn’t recommend it for hiking. But the new version with the grip sole has been fantastic for me.
Re: waterproofness, I shared if they were water resistant or not but otherwise didn’t talk about it unless I found a big issue. Basically all waterproof things will only last a certain amount of time before they start leaking. And because barefoot shoes are flexible and have extra pressure points, it shortens the lifespan of membranes even further.
Hi Anya!
You give Vivo Barefoot your number one spot, and I only want to buy one pair of hiking boots.
You say they are for narrow to medium wide feet, but have said elsewhere that you have wide feet. My feet are medium to wide,.for example, I recently purchased the Wildings canvas navy shoes and found them too tight across the mid foot (where the big toe bone is). They eventually broke in after 2 months and now I love them, except I cannot wear them for street walking, only short distances (30 min) because they don’t have enough cushion for me. They are perfect for forest walking!
I need something for rocky trails and slippery conditions. Would Vivo be wide enough in your opinion?
Sorry this reply is coming so late, but I think it would be close. My Vivobarefoot hiking shoe also need to break in a bit for me to be truly comfortable, they’re a little tight at first. I have a wide toe splay, but a narrow heel and mid foot, so overall shape can make a big difference. Vivobarefoot is slimmer and lower volume but has a nice big toe pocket that my feet like. But I sometimes feel my pinkie toe on the edge of the shoe.
What do you recommend for hiking in SW Florida? I am in search of a hiking boot that is good for the hot weather, good for high volume feet, and features really good waterproofing.
Thanks so much, I have bought many shoes from Anyas Shop and now need the next piece in the practical side of life!
Hm, good for hot weather and really waterproof don’t usually go together. But the Freet Howgill is water resistant and light and breathable. Also good for high volume feet. That would be my first recommendation for SW Florida. Just know that it’s not fully waterproof. If you really need that then it’s going to be hot!
I love your blog and all your advice. Thank you. I’m trying to save space/weight and increase comfort/multi-functionality by using a hiking shoe (Lone Peak All Wthr Low 2) rather than my trusty Vivo Barefoot Fracker FG boots when going on a trip which includes day treks in the Himalayas. What’s your thinking on hiking shoes versus boots? Can I get away with shoes do you think? I won’t be climbing the mountains. The Altras are super multi-functional for travelling and the boots really aren’t. Thoughts?
I feel like that would be terrain specific and I don’t know much about hiking in the Himalayas. A friend of mine just wore the Lone Peak All Wthr Mid to hike Kilimanjaro because she wanted the higher cut – for ankle protection mainly but also some extra water protection.
Hi Anya. Interesting to see that you include the Altra Lone Peak in your selection, I had dismissed these as not being ‘barefoot’ shoes due to the thick sole even though they have a zero drop. As I enjoy thru-hiking (in the UK) and I’m always looking for a good hiking shoe and recently I’ve worn xero mesa trail (the original design) which have now fallen apart. They were lovely and flexible and I had no problem with the thin sole as I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for at least 12 years now so my feet are well adapted to them. However I also have the same dilemmas as Alisa shared in her comment above and I’d be interested to hear how you found hiking with the thicker sole of the Altra and whether this is a true barefoot shoe? . Many thanks. David
They definitely don’t have the same barefoot feel, but they function really well and the Lone Peak has a generous and comfortable width. I think it all depends on what you’re looking for – if you’re after durability or a little more foot support because of long mileage and/or a heavy pack then Altra is great. If you want true barefoot, then I’d go for something else. I switch back and forth between thicker and thinner soles and enjoy them for different scenarios.